Local Walks: A wander through South Melbourne unveils hidden treasures for the inquisitive

Explore Local Walks, a series where writers share their favorite paths in their cities. Each journey captures a glimpse of urban life, leading you to hidden gems and beloved local hangouts. Here, Cristian Bonetto shares why a meandering stroll through South Melbourne uncovers delightful surprises.

Melbourne enjoys a playful game of hide and seek. Its unassuming side streets and laneways can take you anywhere – vibrant market stalls, historic streetscapes, and even mysterious temples. This city is a haven for the curious, yet it also caters to the most leisurely of explorers – thanks to Melbourne's flat landscape.

Every neighborhood in inner Melbourne boasts its unique character. I often choose one on a whim and meander through its streets, confident I’ll stumble upon something delightful. One of my favorite routes takes me through South Melbourne, one of the city's oldest districts where the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people intersect with those of the Bunurong people to the south.

I typically start with a macchiato at St Ali Coffee Roasters, tucked away in an alley adorned with vibrant street art. Like myself, café founder Salvatore Malatesta hails from an Italian-Australian background, and I adore the café's whimsical retro-Italian flair.

Refreshed with caffeine, I turn onto Coventry Street and head towards the South Melbourne Market. The street is dotted with cafés, wine bars, boutiques, and charming wrought-iron verandas, creating a quaint, village-like atmosphere. At Coventry Bookstore, staff thoughtfully handwrite book recommendations on small cards, and I often find myself losing track of time there.

A delicious canalé from market pâtisserie Agathé spurs me on, where pastry chefs work their magic behind glass like rockstars. With sticky fingers wiped clean, I continue to explore the market. Since 1867, Melburnians have been stocking up at the South Melbourne Market, where its covered aisles offer everything from freshly shucked oysters to exquisite cheeses and intriguing local wines.

As I stroll south down residential Cecil Street, I can't help but admire the elegant domed tower at number 155 and the charming vintage shop signs at the intersection of Cecil and Bank Streets. Bank Street leads me to the ornate South Melbourne Town Hall, a symbol of the affluence and extravagance of late 19th-century Melbourne. Just a block further is Park Street, showcasing the magnificent Venetian-Gothic facade of the old Patross Knitting Mills, now home to the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

I stroll south along Church Street, where the charming house at number 8 brings to mind Stuart Little. Turning left onto Napier Street, I soon arrive at Clarendon Street, which I cross to continue heading south. Just after Cobden Street, an unmarked cobblestone alley reveals one of Melbourne’s hidden heritage gems: See Yup Temple, an intricately carved Chinese temple that has been in operation since 1866. It's a captivating, magical place and a fitting conclusion to a quintessential Melbourne walk.